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Pool water likely source of latest outbreak

Last year, Polk County had six cases of Cryptosporidium in July and this year it's 68 cases.

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Updated: 5:47 PM CDT Jul 29, 2013

Pool water likely source of latest outbreak

Last year, Polk County had six cases of Cryptosporidium in July and this year it's 68 cases.

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Updated: 5:47 PM CDT Jul 29, 2013

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WEBVTT Polk County Polk County health officials are warning tonight about a spike in cases of yet another intestinal infection. Amanda Lewis shows us how to avoid it. Earlier this month the worry was over Cyclospora.. Then Salmonella... Now it's Crypto- sporidium. Last year Polk County had 6 cases in July.. This year they're up to 68. splash pad nats Water is a key ingredient in summer fun. 16:12 Yeah! Even if the water is a little cold. Jasmine 16:28 It's warm when you get into it and kind of get used to it. But it's not the temperature that now concerns Jasmine's mom. 18:59 I am surprised. She saw the signs next to the Union Park pool warning people with diarrhea to stay away. Because the infection they're spreading is cryptosporidiu m -- a parasite that can't be killed by chlorine. And while health officials can't pinpoint a source for a spike in infections .. They're pretty sure it's pool water. 2:00 You don't have to see feces in the pool. But the small particials can get washed off the children's bottom or out of a diaper and that's enough to spread it in the whole pool. The parasite sets up shop in your intestine and stays for a while. 3:40 With Cryptosporidiu m you can see watery diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea maybe a little bit of vomiting for 2 to 4 weeks. But you don't have to stop swimming to protect yourself. 2:43 Just being in the pool is not enough to get it. The parasite gets in through your mouth. Jasmine and her friend Anna are learning quickly. Anna 18:02 To try not to drink the water because it might be contaminated. And mom will be keeping a closer eye on things.. Because splash pads and wading pools are not immune. 19:07 Yeah I'll be after her not to put her mouth in the water definitely. Polk County health officials are asking people who have had diarrhea to stay out of public pools for two weeks after their symptoms have subsided. And be wary of secondary infections.. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. There's good incentive to do that! State health officials still haven't pinpointed the source of the other intestinal parasite -- cyclospora! There are now 145 cases in Iowa. The rare parasite can cause diarrhea lasting nearly two months. It's believed to be linked to a fresh vegetable, but it's still not clear if all the cases are related. Across the country... there are 353 cases in 15 states.

Pool water likely source of latest outbreak

Last year, Polk County had six cases of Cryptosporidium in July and this year it's 68 cases.